Applicator and method of making the same



L. C. SHEPHERD APPLICATOR AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Nov. 30 1926. I

Filed Sept. 11

gluucufoz Z fam/y gn Patented Nov. 30,

LAURENCE C. SHEPHERD, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

APPLICA'IOR AND IEIEOD OF MAKING TfiE SAME.

I Application filed September 11, 1925. Serial No. 55,680.

The present invention relates to an improvement in applicators, one object thereof eing to provide a commodity which can be readily manufactured and which at the same time will present many advantages of use over other forms of applicators,- s-wabs, andthe like with which I am now familiar. According to my invention, it will be possible to minimize the chances of infecting or otherwise destroying the eiiectiveness of a swab such as may fr uently hap n where the operator is comfilled to appy a loose piece of cotton to the end of a stick'and thereafter di the stick in a solution previous to app ication of the medicinal agent to the part affected.

One form of my .invention is illustrated in the drawings accom anying the present specification, and in w ich Figure 1 is a view in elevation with a portion of the tip cut away, and

Figure 2, a view in elevation of a modified form of applicator.

Referring to the drawings, my improved applicator construct-ion includes a stick 1 having at one end a coating of adhesive 2, such for example as a sugary syrup which hardens when it becomes dr A small supply of medicinal com osition 3 ,is placed adjacent to the end of t e stick 1 and is substantially enclosed in a tip 4: consisting of any suitable fibrous material, such as absorbent cotton or the like, said tip being efl'ectively secured .in operative position by adhesion to the exposed portion of the adhesive coating 2.

The modification illustrated in Figure 2 consists of a stick 5 having at one end a tip 6 which is impregnated in whole or in part by a soluble medicinal composition. If desired, the end of the stick 5 may be provided with a coating 7 of suitable adhesive material such as the sugar solution above referred to so that, when the tip 6 is attached, it will be more firmly secured to the end of the stick 5 than would be the case if no adhesive were supplied. Where no adhesive is used, a slight scoring or indentation 8 may be effected adjacent to the end of the stick 5 so that a portion of the fibers of the tip will be lodged in said scoring, thus to some extent preventing the tip from accidentally coming ofi.

A method of making the applicator hereinabove described may include the steps of applying an adhesive coating to a stick, applying an increment of soluble medicinal composition adjacent to said coating, and applying a covering for said soluble composition while the coating is in adhesive condition and then removing the moisture. Where the applicator takes the form illustrated in Figure 2, my method includes the steps of applying an adhesive coating to an end of the stick 5, securing a tip of absorbent cotton or the like thereto, treating said tip with a solution of soluble medicinal composition, and then eliminating the moisture therefrom.

It is contemplated that where the term stick is used herein, it means an elongated member of any suitable material, such as wood, glass, fiber, or the like. The soluble medicinal composition to be used will depend upon the purpose for which the applicator is intended. I find that my device presents an effective means for applying antiseptic medicinal preparations such as mercury derivatives of dibromfluorescein, iodine in concentrated form, and other similar compositions. It will be apparent that an applicator made according to my invention can be produced in large quantities at a low price, depending chiefly on the active medicinal ingredient utilized in the tip, and in use, Will present substantial advantages over other devices now made for a similar purpose. By positively securing the fibrous tip to the stick, the applicator can be used with much greater effectiveness than it could be if the tip were in danger of falling off or being easily removed. Furthermore, the fibrous tip or covering protects the medicinal composition and interposes a soft end between said composition and the part to which the solution of such composition is to be applied in use.

I claimas my invention: a

1. An applicator comprising a stick, a tip ofabsorbent fibrous material thereon, and a soluble medicinal composition associated withsaid tip whereby when a liquid solvent is applied to the tip, the latter will contain a solution of said medicinal composition in condition for application as desired.

2. An applicator comprising a stick, a tip' of soluble medicinal composition, an adhesive coating on said stick, and an absorbent fibrous material having'one portion adhering to said adhesive and another portion in position to effectively receive a solution of said composition when aliquid solvent thereof is applied to said fibrous material.

- 3. An applicator comprising a stick, a solid soluble medicament adhering thereto,

and a fibrous material covering said medicament.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my 10 name to this specification this 10th day of September, 1925.

LAURENCE o. SHEPHERD. 

